Is a duffel or backpack better for camping?

Q. Which is better for camping, a duffel or a backpack?– Thoughtful Theo, London, England

A. Well, Theo, it depends on what sort of camping you have planned. If you’ll be car camping, a duffel bag is the better choice since it has just one large compartment for easily stuffing things inside — think of it as a mobile closet for all your gear. On the other hand, if you’ll be backpacking (hiking miles to a backcountry campsite), a traditional backpack is definitely the better choice. Although some duffels do have shoulder straps, they aren’t designed to carry loads comfortably for long distances the way an internal- or external-frame backpack is.

A duffel is great for cabin or car camping. A backpack is for hiking. Backpacks take more room in the car and are not needed to move gear around after you are set up on site. With a good duffel all your stuff can go in one bag and you can hang it off a bunkbed or nail.